Lighter case with integrated smoking device holder

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter includes a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter and a second container coupled to the first container, the second container being sized to receive and retain the pipe, the first container and the second container being a unitary structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

n/a

FIELD

The present technology is generally related to containers for organic smoking devices and accessories.

BACKGROUND

Smokers of organic smoking material often carry lighters and pipes to ignite the organic material and to inhale the smoke created by burning the organic material, respectively. Because the lighter and pipe are small and are often sold separately (FIG. 1), a user will often carry them in her or her pocket and may forget or misplace one of these items.

SUMMARY

The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to containers for organic smoking devices and accessories.

In one aspect, an apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter includes a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter and a second container coupled to the first container, the second container being sized to receive and retain the pipe, the first container and the second container being a unitary structure.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container is adjoined to the second container.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as the slit extends toward the first open end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the slit terminates at a position before the first open end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second partially closed end and fourth closed end are coplanar.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within, and the second container is configured to removably snap-fit the pipe.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container.

In one aspect, an apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter, the lighter having a spark wheel includes a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter. A second container is adjoined to the first container and sized to receive and retain the pipe. The first container and the second container are a unitary structure. The first container is sized such that if the lighter is retained within the first container, the spark wheel is disposed outside of the first container. The second container is sized such that the pipe is entirely retained within the second container if received within the second container.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container defines a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as it extends toward the first open end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the slit terminates at a position before the first open end.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end; and wherein the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar, and wherein the second partially closed end and the fourth closed end are coplanar.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within and the second container is configured to snap-fit the pipe.

In another aspect of this embodiment, the second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container.

In one aspect, an apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter, the lighter having a spark wheel, includes a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter. A second container is adjoined to the first container and sized to receive and retain the pipe. The first container and the second container are a unitary structure. The first container is sized such that if the lighter is retained within the first container, the spark wheel is disposed outside of the first container. The second container is sized such that the pipe is entirely retained within the second container if received within the second container. The first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second dimeter smaller than the first diameter. The first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end, and a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as it extends toward the first open end and terminating at a position before the first open end. The second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end, the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar, the second partially closed end and the fourth closed end are coplanar. The first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within and the second container is configured to snap-fit the pipe. The second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container.

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a lighter and a pipe for smoking organic material;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective vide of an apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 with the lighter of FIG. 1 retained within;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 with the pipe of FIG. 1 retained within; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view showing the lighter of FIG. 6 being dislodged from the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of apparatus components related containers for organic smoking devices and accessories Accordingly, the components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

As used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference designators refer to like elements there is shown in FIGS. 2-4 an apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application and designated generally as “10.” The apparatus 10 may be sized and configured to fit with the palm of a hand of user and received within a pocket. The apparatus 10 may a unitary structure, for example, a unitary structure that is molded as a single piece. For example, the apparatus may be molded out of a rigid material, for example, polycarbonate or a flexible material, for example, thermoplastic polyurethane. In one configuration, the apparatus includes a first container 12 sized and configured to received and retain a lighter 11, for example, a cigarette lighter like the one shown in FIG. 1. The first container 12 may be elliptical cylinder, or any shape, and may define a hollow first interior 14 sized to conform to the lighter 11 when received within the first interior 14 such that the cigarette lighted is slideably received within the interior and friction fit within.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, the first container 21 defines a first open end 16 (shown in FIG. 3) and an opposite second partially closed end 18 (shown in FIG. 4). The first open end 16 is sized to accommodate the lighter 11 such that it can be received within the first interior 14 The second partially closed end 18 includes a sufficiently sized floor surface 20 such that the lighter 11 is retained within the first container 12 and further defines a slit 22 extending from the second partially closed end 18 toward the direction of the first open end 16. The slit 22 may extend entirely through the first container 12 or may be on one of the walls of the first container 12, while the opposite side of wall is solid. The slit 22 tapers in diameter as it extends toward the first open end 16. The tapering of the slit 22 allows a dislodging element, for example, a pencil, to push out the lighter 11 from the first container 12 inserting it into the slit 22 and pushing on the lighter 11. In one configuration, the slit 22 extends approximately half a distance between the first open end 16 and the second partially closed end 18. In other configurations the slit 22 may extend farther than or less than half the distance between the first open end 16 and the second partially closed end 18.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2-4, coupled to the first container 12 may be second container 24. The second container 24 may be sized and configured to receive a pipe 23 for smoking organic material, like the one shown in FIG. 1. The second container 24 may define a diameter less than a diameter of the first container 24. In other configurations, the second container 24 may define the same diameter as the first container 12. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the second container 24 is cylindrical in cross-sectional shape and is directly adjoined to the first container 12 as part of the molded unitary structure of apparatus 10. The second container 24 may be composed of the same material as that of the first container 12. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second container 24 defines a third closed end 26 and an opposed fourth closed end 28. The third closed end 26 is coplanar with the first open end 16 and the fourth closed end is coplanar with the second partially closed end 18. In one configuration, the second container 24 defines a basin 30 proximate the fourth closed end 28 sized to receive at least a portion of the pipe 23. The remainder of the second container 24 may define an open structure between the basin 20 and the third closed end 26 such that the pipe 23 can be pushed into the second container 24. In one configuration, the second container 24 includes a pair of sidewalls 32 and a pair of arms 34 extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls 32. The pair of arms 34 are flexible and are curved inward to facilitate a snap-fit between the pipe 23 and the second container 34 when the pipe 23 is inserted within the second container 24. The container 24 further defines a cavity 36 between the pair of arms 34 and the third closed end 26. The cavity 36 is sized such that the pipe 23 may be grasped by the user and pulled out from the second container 24.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, which show the lighter 11 and pipe 23 inserted within the first container 12 and the second container 24, respectively. When received within the first interior 14, the lighter may fit snugly within the first container 12 such that if the first container 12 is turned upside down the lighter remains within the first container 12. In one configuration, when the lighter is fully received within the first container 12, a spark wheel 35 of the lighter 11 is disposed outside of the first container 12 such that it is accessible and useable by the user without removing the lighter from the container. When the pipe 23 is received within the second container 24, it is entirely retained between the third closed end 26 and the fourth closed end 28. The pair of arms 34 substantially surround at least a portion of the pipe 23 when received within the second container 34. To remove the lighter 11 from the first container 12, a pencil or other dislodging element pushes out the lighter but inserting it within the slit 22 and pashing the lighter out through the first open end 16

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter, the apparatus comprising: a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter; and a second container coupled to the first container, the second container being sized to receive and retain the pipe, the first container and the second container being a unitary structure.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container is adjoined to the second container.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first container defines a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as the slit extends toward the first open end.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the slit terminates at a position before the first open end.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the second partially closed end and fourth closed end are coplanar.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within, and the second container is configured to removably snap-fit the pipe.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container.
 12. An apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter, the lighter having a spark wheel, the apparatus comprising: a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter; a second container adjoined to the first container and sized to receive and retain the pipe, the first container and the second container being a unitary structure, the first container being sized such that if the lighter is retained within the first container, the spark wheel is disposed outside of the first container, the second container being sized such that the pipe is entirely retained within the second container if received within the second container.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the first container defines a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as it extends toward the first open end.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the slit terminates at a position before the first open end.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end; and wherein the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar, and wherein the second partially closed end and the fourth closed end are coplanar.
 18. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within and the second container is configured to snap-fit the pipe.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container.
 20. An apparatus for holding a pipe and a lighter, the lighter having a spark wheel, the apparatus comprising: a first container sized to receive and retain the lighter; a second container adjoined to the first container and sized to receive and retain the pipe, the first container and the second container being a unitary structure, the first container being sized such that if the lighter is retained within the first container, the spark wheel is disposed outside of the first container, the second container being sized such that the pipe is entirely retained within the second container if received within the second container; the first container defines a first diameter and the second container defines a second dimeter smaller than the first diameter, the first container defines a first open end and an opposite second partially closed end, and a slit extending from the second partially closed end toward the first open end, the slit tapering in width as it extends toward the first open end and terminating at a position before the first open end; the second container includes a third closed end and an opposite fourth closed end, the first open end and the third closed end are coplanar, the second partially closed end and the fourth closed end are coplanar, the first container is sized to friction fit the lighter within and the second container is configured to snap-fit the pipe; and the second container includes a pair of sidewalls and a pair of arms extending from at least a portion of the pair of sidewalls, the pair of arms being flexible and curved inward to facilitate the snap-fit between the pipe and the second container when the pipe is inserted within the second container. 